The tree, which had outgrown its space, had been planted in 1997 at Evergreen Children’s Center in Beavercreek to mark the child care center’s 20th anniversary.
It had been used over the years as a nature play and observation area, a spot for bird feeders and as a Christmas tree. “A lot of children have grown alongside that tree and have learned to love everything it represents,” said Jill Gordon, director of the center.
The tree will be decorated with thousands of lights in time for the Grand Illumination tree lighting ceremony during the 47th annual Dayton Holiday Festival on Friday, Nov. 29.
>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: (Aug. 29, 2019)
Does that tree in your yard have some extra razzle dazzle?
If deemed the best, you could see your tree adorned in more than 50,000 lights when it’s the star of the 2019 Dayton Holiday Festival. The festival committee has started its search for the tree that will be the centerpiece of the annual Dayton holiday tradition at Courthouse Square.
“Perfect” tree guidelines
The ideal tree is approximately 45 to 60 feet tall and 25 feet wide. A Colorado green spruce or blue spruce tree is preferred. Other types of evergreens will be considered if they are grand and stately. The tree must be located on the nominee’s property in the front or side yard with clear access to the tree, free from power lines or transit cables, according to the search committee.
Dayton-area residents who believe they have the perfect tree can nominate it by calling Colleen Turner at the Downtown Dayton Partnership at (937) 224-1518, ext. 221, or email turner@downtowndayton.org.
“The winning tree will be selected by a search crew at the end of October. PSC Crane and Rigging will transport the tree to Courthouse Square at no expense to the owners, who will have the opportunity to be part of the official tree-lighting ceremony,” according to a Holiday Festival press release.
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